"It is clear that neither the story, nor the fact that it has been put on sale, has a goal toâ€¦ create an intimidating, hostile, degrading or humiliating environment," the court said in its judgement.

Mondondo's campaign against Tintin in the Congo's content went to court in May 2010. "It shows the Africans as childish imbeciles," he said at the time. "It suggests blacks have not evolved.

"It twists history to suggest that everything was happy and fun. In reality, it was a tragic, hurtful time."

The Congolese student, who resides in Belgium, confirmed plans to appeal against the ruling.